Worcester end winless run

Chris Pennell's try helped Worcester end their long winless run

2 March 2013

Worcester recorded their first Aviva Premiership victory since Christmas and dented Wasps' play-off prospects in the process, winning 29-23.

The Warriors' run of five successive league defeats deservedly ended after first-half tries from Chris Pennell and David Lemi underpinned an impressive performance at Sixways.

Worcester effectively ended any lingering relegation fears by moving 13 points above bottom club Sale Sharks with just five games left, as number eight Blair Cowan's 60th-minute touchdown left Wasps reeling before scrum-half Jonny Arr's close-range effort secured a first bonus point Premiership victory for five months.

Fly-half Andy Goode chipped in with a penalty and conversion before going off injured, while his replacement Danny Gray added two conversions to nullify touchdowns by Wasps hooker Rhys Thomas, flanker Ashley Johnson and substitute Jack Wallace.

Wasps, in fifth place before kick-off, were left to ponder a second Premiership reversal of the week after they lost against London Irish last Sunday, despite fly-half Nicky Robinson keeping them in touch through two penalties and a conversion.

Ultimately, though, Worcester were too organised and too aggressive at the contact area for their visitors, while also displaying some impressive finishing power.

Gloucester hooker Darren Dawidiuk was sent off for a tip-tackle as Bath edged past their West Country rivals 31-25 in a thrilling derby at the Recreation Ground.

Former England captain Mike Tindall, making his 150th appearance for Gloucester since leaving Bath, roused his 14 men into thrilling fightback from 31-18 down, looking for the converted try that would snatch victory.

But Bath had too much control up front and celebrated a first Premiership victory over the Cherry and Whites for three seasons. They were awarded a penalty try in the first half and followed up with further touchdowns from Tom Biggs and Kyle Eastmond. Fly-half Tom Heathcote kicked four penalties and two conversions.

Henry Trinder and Jonny May (2) scored the Gloucester tries with Freddie Burns converting one and Rob Cook adding two penalties and two conversions.